Cat Island High Water Recon
Louisiana is the SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE Our wealth of natural resources is what makes us unique, what has shaped our culture, and ultimately has set the stage for a beautiful but sometimes complicated coexistence between man and nature.
In early 2008, acclaimed writer and filmaker, Jon Bowermaster came to Louisiana to make a film about SOUTH LOUISIANA and the people here whose lives depend on the water. During this process, Jon connected with the Executive Director of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN), Marylee Orr, and her sons Paul and Michael Orr. Jon had first met Marylee many years earlier while writing about the industrial corridor along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER in Louisiana and utilized LEAN’s connections again for his latest film: SoLa, Louisiana Water Stories. While filming SoLa, the BP Oil Spill began and Jon worked to document its impacts including the work of LEAN, Marylee, Paul and Michael Orr.
Released in 2010, SOLA is an extremely powerful and educational film that presents many of the environmental issues facing south Louisiana as told through the stories of the local individuals working to address them. The film can be seen in its entirety, for free, online HERE.
With the inspiration of SoLa, and the blessing of Jon, Paul and Michael Orr set about continuing and expanding upon this valuable work. SOLA2050.ORG is an online extension of the spirit of Sola, the movie. Paul and Michael called upon long-time friend, web consultant and extraordinary photographer Jeffrey Dubinsky to round out the creative team behind the project. Sola2050.org aims to create an engaging online resource that documents the stories of individuals in South Louisiana as they relate to the environment through video, photography and maps. The Maps of SoLa section has been built with the generous technical assistance of skilled GIS expert Guiyuan Wang.
The stories chronicled on SoLa2050.org explore a vast array of environmental related topics including: recreation(canoeing, fishing, hiking, etc.), agriculture, conservation, industrial pollution, etc. These stories offer food for thought, fascinating perspectives, thoughtful insight, inspiring ideas, learning lessons, and visions for the future.
It’s hard to realize your perspective is unique. But it’s important to recognize that everyone here has something to say, something we should learn from. The individuals profiled on Sola2050.org are the wisdom-keepers of South Louisiana. They are you and me. Their stories are our story. LISTEN, LEARN, EXPLORE
more about Paul and Michael:
Paul and Michael Orr were born and raised in South Louisiana; sons of a Forester and a Community Activist. Paul and Michael grew up exploring south Louisiana by way of the hand-made row boats built by their father, Paul.
On weekends, Paul and Michael followed their Dad rowing, hiking and fishing all across Louisiana. As a forester, he showed them the many beautiful ecosystems that exist here and provided their first education and opportunities to enjoy and understand them. Their mother, Marylee, founded one of the oldest and largest non-profit environmental organizations in the state. As children, Paul and Michael followed their mother to communities, rallies, environmental conferences and public hearings all across South Louisiana building the foundation for a unique insight into the environment of Louisiana and its struggles.
Paul has spent his career working on environmental issues and documenting the environmental struggles of Louisiana since his teens. He, along with younger brother Michael have been fortunate enough to be exposed to a life of interesting places and fascinating people. Through the platform of Sola2050.org, Paul and Michael hope to share these places and voices. Sola2050.org aims to educate, inspire, and connect anyone interested in learning about South Louisiana and being part of its bright future.
SoLa2050.org is made possible by generous support from the Louisiana Environmental Action Network and a grant from the Blue Moon Fund